News Summary
In Michigan, mother entrepreneurs like Mallory Vredeveld and Maddison Husted are successfully managing their bakery, The Five Forks, while raising their children. Their journey exemplifies the challenges of balancing business growth and family life, especially during the pandemic. As they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape, they emphasize creating lasting legacies and imparting valuable skills to their children, demonstrating that hard work and adaptability can lead to success in both business and motherhood.
Jackson – Mother entrepreneurs in Michigan are showcasing the delicate balance between running a business and raising a family, with a focus on creating lasting legacies. One such example is Mallory Vredeveld, 38, and her sister Maddison Husted, 36, who co-own The Five Forks Bakery located at 1194 N. West Ave., Jackson. Their thriving bakery was born out of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, serving as a way for them to not only make a living but also instill valuable life skills in their children.
The Five Forks Bakery primarily started as a home-based venture during the pandemic. Vredeveld and Husted both faced job loss or left their positions during this tumultuous period, leading them to explore their passion for baking to generate additional income. With five children between them (Vredeveld has three – Mia (10), Eloise (8), and Elliot (5), and Husted has two – Thea (8) and Posey (4)), they chose the name “The Five Forks” to honor their kids. Their establishment has now grown from its original home operations to a storefront that opened two years ago.
Despite their success, the sisters encountered several challenges as young female entrepreneurs. They faced unique hurdles in the small business landscape, including issues of being taken advantage of—an experience not often encountered by male-owned businesses. To prioritize their family life, they adjusted their business operations, shortening Saturday hours and closing on Mondays. Vredeveld expressed that maintaining harmony at home is more important than business sales, emphasizing the need to create a healthy balance.
Their children have taken an active role in the bakery’s marketing, learning valuable skills such as baking, setting boundaries, and developing confidence. This involvement not only teaches them about responsibility and work ethics but also reinforces the bond within their family.
Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Vredeveld and Husted are not alone in their journey. Other women business owners in Michigan, such as Maggie Kleinheksel of Tweed Baby Outfitters and Jessica Hill of Omoni Boutique, share similar experiences of juggling work and motherhood. Kleinheksel, who manages her business while raising four children, highlights the inherent challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurial endeavors. Hill, whose store was inspired by her late adoptive mother, emphasizes her commitment to providing quality fashion for women while sharing the responsibilities of motherhood.
In 2024, Shardaira Jones will also join the movement with her juice bar REV Road to Revitalize in Grand Rapids, which fuses her passion for health with her family life. Jones aims to empower minority entrepreneurs and actively includes her children in her business journey, providing them with first-hand entrepreneurial experiences.
Create Lasting Legacies
The collective stories and ventures of these women illustrate the importance of creating lasting legacies through family, business, and community engagement. A common thread among these mother entrepreneurs is their mission to instill valuable life lessons in their children while navigating the complexities of running a business.
Through hard work, adaptability, and community support, these women are not only crafting successful business ventures but are also role models for future generations, striving to impart essential skills that extend beyond the kitchen or shop floor. Their stories serve as inspiration for other aspiring female entrepreneurs, encouraging collaboration, partnership, and reliance on shared experiences in pursuing their dreams.
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